Title
Rental Registry One Year Evaluation Briefing
Recommended Action Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update and discuss the implementation of the rental registry and inspection program.
Report Issue:
Whether to receive an update and discuss the implementation of the rental registry and inspection program.
Staff Contact:
Sarah Williams, Rental Registry Program Manager, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8377
Presenter(s):
Sarah Williams, Rental Registry Program Manager, Community Planning & Economic Development
Jacinda Steltjes, Affordable Housing Program Manager, Community Planning & Economic Development
Christa Lenssen, Senior Housing Program Specialist, Community Planning & Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
The Rental Registry & Inspection program was adopted in November 2023 and enacted in March 2024 after in-depth community engagement around tenant protections and extensive peer-city research on similar programs.
The program is designed to meet the following goals:
* Ensure basic life health and safety in rental housing
* Preserve existing rental housing
* Share information and resources with landlords
* Gather data about rental housing in Olympia.
Unless exempted, landlords are required to:
* Register their rental properties and renew registration annually ($35/unit)
* Obtain and maintain a state business license with an Olympia endorsement through the Department of Revenue
* Schedule inspections with a qualified third-party inspector of a portion of their rental units once every five years after being notified by the City
In its 17-month history, the program has experienced accomplishments as well as challenges. Staff evaluated the program and identified adjustments that will be made through the end of 2025 and into 2026 to address the challenges and meet the program's goals. Measures of success have been identified to track program pro...
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